Jan

New Year’s Resolution Ideas by Jennifer Cassetta

January 5th, 2016

Fireworks in the form of a heart

2015 was certainly an interesting year. Now is a great time to reflect on the year’s headlines and how this changing world affects you and what you can do to prepare for a healthier and safer 2016. Here are some New Year’s resolution ideas based on 2015’s ups and downs and all around headlines.

Eat less meat

In October, the World Health Organization announced that bacon, hot dogs and other processed meats are linked to cancer. They also mention that most likely all red meat can have the same effect. So perhaps 2016 is the year that you cut back on all red meat and processed meat, and yes, that includes bacon. If that sounds overwhelming to you but you want to give it a try, start with Meatless Mondays, where you eat as a vegetarian all day on Mondays. If that sounds easy, try cutting out all red meat except at one meal per week. Instead eat chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and seeds to get your fill of protein. Your colon will thank you!
Be more aware of your surroundings

Unfortunately, Paris suffered from two major terror attacks this year. The second one in November claimed the lives of 130 people. The first step in any self-defense program is to increase your situational awareness. I am not saying that this is a guaranteed way to protect yourself, it is just your first line of defense. When you go into a public arena, both indoor and outdoor, always check where the exits are. Know where and how to get out if an emergency occurred. Another idea is to create emergency plans for yourself and your family. Create communication plans, fire plans, earthquake kits and go-bags. At the very least, start those important conversations.
Reduce your carbon footprint

World leaders came together towards the end of 2015 to sign the #ParisAgreement. The United States is leading a massive effort to combat climate change and much of the world is also on board. What can you do to help reduce your carbon footprint? Here are some New Year’s Resolution Ideas for living in harmony with the environment:

Stop drinking bottled water and buy a reusable water bottle. Fill that up with tap or filtered water and drink throughout the day.

Start a carpool. Either heading to work or picking up kids at school, find others doing the same thing and take turns driving.

Take public transportation when possible.

Ride your bicycle instead of driving when possible.
Start a meditation practice

The presidential debates are getting louder and louder and it’s easy to get caught up in the name-calling and pettiness of it all. What would be great is if we could all (including the candidates) become more calm and be able to make our decisions based on sound decisions and not just emotions. Meditation can help do that, and has physical benefits like reducing blood pressure, stress and even thickening your brain!
Practice self-defense

This year we saw an army of women speaking up and out against Bill Cosby and his sexual assault allegations. We also were bombarded with headlines of the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses around the country. Learning how to defend yourself in a dangerous situation is one strategy to help prevent more instances like this. Take a self-defense class in person or online to get yourself thinking of how you would protect yourself or a loved one. Spread your knowledge with friends and family. Carry a Sabre personal alarm or a pepper spray to arm yourself with awareness and a weapon to scare off a potential attacker.